Thing 18 cpd23

This Jing Thing is really interesting! It has more jazz than PrntScn.
I could use Lightshot and Screenomatic too for tutorials, collaboration and promotion. Oh My! It's not too hard to learn, just download & go.
Now,Cantasia is for the deft of mind - certainly not mine.

Podcasts. I've heard a few.
It's great for learning and multitasking on the run.
But I've never been tempted to create one.
Good thing I have no mike...
With my voice, it would take a hike.

Thing 15 & 16 cpd23

Thing 15
Attending meetings & conferences is very important for professional development. It's a great way to network, learn about new developments in your field and investigate new ideas. I have attended many and participated in small group discussions, training sessions, workshops, lectures etc. The suggestions given in the links are excellent for the 1st time conference attendee. There are even hints for the more experienced.

I have never presented at a conference, but have helped with the behind the scenes preparation for several meetings.

Thing 16
Advocacy is what we do everyday. Every time you help a child find a book or smile at the people coming in the door or answer the phone with a cheerful voice you are advocating for your library!

The post had many interesting suggestions for advocacy and I enjoyed reading the ALA suggestions. NPPL has all sorts of outreach and events to put the library in the newspaper and on TV.

Publishing is a new challenge I have not accepted yet. Advocating through social media is something I'm still learning about but I hope to jump in and help promote the next event with the Director's permission.

Thing 14 cpd23

Oh my! I'm in WAY over my head with this Thing. I did watch all of the introductory videos and chose Mendeley to download. I felt like a fraud entering a field of study and educational status. However, I did take the time to explore the uses and options for this program. If I were writing papers and doing research I would use Mendeley. I would also recommend it to students for it's organizational benefits, massive collection of articles and networking opportunities. Thing 14 was a great opportunity to stretch my brain and investigate something new, but not something I will use.

I have to say that Sherm Sez for Week 10 was just as helpful as the actual lesson!
Thanks Sherm!

Thing 13 cpd23

This week I was able to expand my experience with online collaboration.

I learned about Google Docs in the 1st 23 Things. I have used it for a resume based on one of the templates and created simple spreadsheets. I hope to use it for the next group project.

I did sign up for Dropbox. The tutorial was easy to understand so I had a folder for the FOL Fall Sale set up rather quickly. I also added another computer to my account and invited co-workers to share.

I also learned about wikis in the first 23 Things. I participated in the project, but have not the opportunity to get involved with this type of collaboration since then. I did explore the Library Day in the Life wiki. It's a great example of how online collaboration can bring a large group of people together for a common purpose and have fun doing it.

Thing 12 cpd23

I thought this would be an easy post to write, but I was wrong.

I enjoy using social media to keep up with friends, co-workers and colleagues. I am motivated by the community of librarians and like minded people. I have learned so much from the Things and keeping up with various blogs, feeds, posts and tweets. Yet...I feel uneasy sometimes. As if the good is being over run by the bad and the ugly. Pandora's box is open and it will be increasing important to choose our communities and networks wisely.

Things 10 & 11 cdp23

Librarianship:
I'm not a real librarian, yet. Someday. Maybe. My path to Nebraska Learns 2.0 started in 2005 when I realized that my days as a WaldenWoman were numbered. I knew I would need to start training for a new career and Librarianship was where I thought I could use my skills and experience. So I started with Basic Skills, attending workshops and volunteering at the Public Library. In January 2010, after 31 years of working at Waldenbooks (most of them as manager) I turned out the lights and handed over the keys. There were no job openings at the library at the time so, I started looking elsewhere. I was extremely lucky to find a job w/insurance. I still volunteer, take online training & hope to work in the library someday.

Mentors & Mentoring:
I have been fortunate to have had many unofficial mentors in my life. From my 8th Grade English teacher, college professors & Gloria to the great librarians I have met in training and the ones I talk to every week. There's always something new to learn and the more I learn the less I know!

I have also been fortunate to unofficially mentor a few young people along the way. I just hope they won't hold it against me!!!

Things 8 & 9 cdp23

Google calendar was easy to use. I as able to set up a Shared Time Off Calendar for our department. It will be easy to keep the whole group up to date on who will be out of the office and when. It will eliminate the need for multiple emails and constant revision of the desk pad calendars we now use. I could see using Google Calendar as a scheduling tool for a small library. I also took a look at the Yahoo Calendar, it's very similar. I choose to stay with the Google product since I have a Google account.

Evernote is interesting! I watched several of the videos, read some of the blog posts ( Digitwirl entry was a great example of practical uses for Evernote) , and investigated the add-ons in the Trunk. If I had the responsibility for for managing personnel or organizing events I would use this. I might try using it for personal projects such as crafts or recipes just to get some experience. Another issue I have is technological... Evernote is great for using with multiple devises, but neither my phone or I are smart enough, my tablet is still a Big Chief and my PC is plugged into the wall!